Cancer is often associated with preventable lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and tobacco use. These two factors are largely responsible for a number of cancers. Both these substances expose the body to harmful chemicals that can damage cells, interfere with normal biological processes and ultimately, lead to cancer development. Understanding how alcohol and tobacco increase cancer risk, the biological mechanism behind their harmful effects and the types of cancers they cause are the highlights of this blog.
Cellular and genetic basis of cancer development
Cancer is the uncontrolled multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. It is driven by genetic mutations that occur in the DNA. As a result of these mutations, accumulation of genetic errors takes place which disrupt normal cell function, leading to uncontrolled growth and tumor development. Carcinogens or cancer-causing substances are present in tobacco and alcohol which precipitate DNA damage, inducing genetic mutations and chronic inflammation, thereby creating an environment that promotes cancer development.
Link between tobacco and cancer
Tobacco smoke contains more than 7000 chemicals, out of which 69 are known carcinogens. Every time you smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, these chemicals get into your bloodstream from where they are transported to all parts of your body. These chemicals damage the DNA and make the cells grow differently from how they should normally grow. In due course of time, such abnormally developed cells can turn cancerous. Also, long-term use of tobacco can cause inflammation which damages tissues and helps cancer cells grow and spread. Tobacco can cause cancers of the lung, mouth and throat, oesophagus, pancreas, bladder, and kidneys.
Alcohol and its contribution in cancer development
Alcohol metabolism releases acetaldehyde which is toxic in nature and damages DNA and induces oxidative stress, resulting in damage of cells. Regular use of alcohol can increase levels of the hormone, oestrogen which plays a significant role in breast cancer development. Chronic drinkers often suffer from liver cirrhosis, which can lead to cancer. Furthermore, alcohol inhibits the absorption of useful nutrients like folate which plays a vital role in DNA repair. Alcohol consumption can lead to the development of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, breast, liver, and colon.
Tobacco-alcohol interaction in cancer risk
Tobacco and alcohol together work in a synergistic manner to increase cancer risk by up to 30 times when compared to non-users. In smokers who also consume alcohol, tobacco-related carcinogens are easily penetrated inside the tissues, raising the risk of cancer. The multiplicative effect of tobacco and alcohol raises the risk cancers of the upper-aero digestive tract. This includes the areas of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus which become more prone to cancer.
It is important to understand that the combined effect and high consumption of tobacco and alcohol causes double the impact in triggering cancer, even though moderate use of these substances also carry some amount of threat. Knowing about the ill effects of tobacco and alcohol in causing cancer, it becomes vital to spread awareness regarding the same. Both these factors are preventable causes of cancer and reducing or completely eliminating these from our lives, considerably reduce the risk of cancer. Understanding the link between these substances and cancer highlights the importance of making healthier lifestyle choices. After all, our health is in our hands and preventive strategies can help reduce the global burden of cancer.